A Patchwork of Clues

Sally Goldenbaum

Jun 2019 · Queen Bees Quilt Shop Book 1 · Lyrical Press

About this eBook

Small-town quilters look for a killer's pattern in this delightful new series by the national bestselling author of the Seaside Knitters mysteries . . .

On her morning jog, Portia Paltrow comes upon the dead body of antiques store owner and college professor Owen Hill, sprawled across the back doorstep of Selma Parker's fabric and quilt shop on Elderberry Road. The site of their Saturday morning quilting bee just became a crime scene. Violent crime is rare in the charming village of Crestwood, Kansas, and rumors are soon circulating of a burglary gone wrong. But who would rob a quilt shop? No, Owen Hill has been murdered.

Selma and her assistant manager Susan are understandably at loose ends over the crime. So while the tightly knit covey of quilters—who range from a new mother to a wise octogenarian—work together on a Crystal Pattern quilt for Selma's store's anniversary, they also get busy stitching together a patchwork of clues. But they'd better work fast—before a crafty killer bolts . . .

Previously titled Murders on Elderberry Road


Praise for Sally Goldenbaum’s Mysteries

“Goldenbaum’s Queen Bee quilters charm and delight. I hope these intriguing women will continue to quilt—and solve crimes!”
—Carolyn Hart

“A perfect cozy mystery.”
—Nancy Pickard

Ratings and reviews

A Patchwork of Clues is a cute, lighthearted cozy mystery. Po Paltrow is a strong female character and I like that she is an older protagonist (60s). It provides a different perspective. The quilters are various ages and have diverse personalities (a character for every reader). They are friendly group of women who support each other. It is cute how Po, with help from the other ladies, is working to set up her goddaughter, Kate Simpson with Officer PJ Flanigan. The author took the time to establish the characters and describe the Elderberry Shops which is good since this is a character driven cozy mystery. The mystery was clear-cut and not the main focus of the book. The body is found at the beginning (in the first chapter), but the investigating does not begin until the second half of the book. While I knew who committed the crime, the why took longer to uncover. The quilters were eager to dig into the mystery which is obvious when they say, “Let’s sleuth!”. A Patchwork of Clues needed more action which would have helped the pacing. There are plenty of cozy moments with quilting, chatting, eating, and drinking wine. I enjoyed the fabric descriptions and the information on quilting. There is mild foul language in the story. I was happy to see an epilogue that tidily wrapped up everything tidily like a beautifully bound quilt. A Patchwork of Clues has eager quilters, charming shops, serious suspects, fabulous fabrics, and a sexagenarian sleuth.

About the author

Sally Goldenbaum is the author of three dozen novels, most recently the Seaside Knitters Mystery Series, set in the fictional town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. Sally was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and now lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband, Don and a terrific Aussie, Sophie. In addition to writing mysteries, Sally has taught philosophy, Latin, and creative writing, edited bioethics and veterinary healthcare journals, and worked in public television at WQED-Pittsburgh (then home to Mr. Rogers and his Neighborhood). Sally’s family includes her husband, Don, three wonderful adult children, their fine spouses, and six amazing grandchildren. Visit her at www.sallygoldenbaum.com.